Park off the Old Pali Highway before the lookout in the dirt parking lot. Personally I think hikers should decide for themselves what kind of risks theyre comfortable with, but bear the responsibility themselves if they have an accident. 6 rides; 11 miles avg distance; All. After that, it should be pretty straightforward. Well kept trail for the island, but still challenging. The seemingly level elevation from point A to point B can be misleading and the giddy nature of being so close can come with a lack of focus. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers. This is known as the back way for the Stairway To Heaven. Test first before committing your weight on it. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The only death Im aware of was caused by a heart attack in a middle aged hiker (that steep ascent to platform one can be strenuous). Moanalua Valley Trail to the Haiku Stairs is the only legal trail, and it is recommended for very experienced hikers. 804. From plantation towns to planned communities, Central Oahu has its share of secret spots, a bumper crop of bowling alleys and neighborhood eats. Theres a tree branch that has Middle Ridge carved into it as a reference point. A man who was hiking Hawaii's Olomana Trail reportedly plummeted hundreds of feet to his death on Sunday after he reportedly tried to grab his hat, marking the fourth death linked to the. It has been a long perpetuated myth that simply being on the stairs is what gets you fined. It is only accessible by hiking approximately 2.5 miles up the Kamananui Valley Road Trail, where a marked sign on the left designates the trailhead. It was gorgeous & worth all the aches later lol. HONOLULU (KITV4) Honolulu Fire received an emergency 911 call about hikers in distress on the Moanalua Valley Trail on Friday evening. There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a hike. The Moanalua Valley Trail takes you up a steep, strenuous dirt path with ropes and no stairs. Its possible to walk up without the rope but I suggest having some gloves as most people will be holding onto the rope the whole time. It is for this reason that it is NOT recommended to hike this trail in heavy rains due to flash flooding. The Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku stairs hiking route is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. Invalid password or account does not exist. Originally the stairs were built in 1942 by the U.S. Navy as a top-secret facility for transmitting radio signals to ships that were sailing in the Pacific Ocean. The ground can get dangerously slippery and muddy. Its been a wild ride. There is an entry along the fence that will go through. This hike is just one trail located in the Ewa Forest Preserve. Although small and unmarked its an obvious trail. The Stairway To Heaven also has much more epic views than Koko Head in my opinion, but Koko Head is still a great hike in its own way, and its completely legal, so its a good choice if you want another challenging hike with some fantastic island views. Our group did good timing but it was Still LONGGGG I believe I did it in 7 Hrs 45 mins (started about 5:30am - about 4 hrs or less to Get to top 9:15am, 30mins enjoying view / pics / eating 9:45am descend , arrived at my car by 1:20pm to get back took 3hr 35mins) I was beyond exhausted tho, my body was in survival mode at that point & just want to not be hiking anymore lol! Are there hand-holds on the places that were sheer drop off on both sides? You'll enjoy sweeping views of southern Oahu on this 10.4-mile roundtrip hike. However, if you cross over and set foot on the platform of the satellite or venture onto the stairs you are now in an illegal area. My issue is with the erosion scar that's been exacerbated ten-fold on the middle ridge allowing invasive species to spread further and further to the summit. There is one short section of stairs that was mangled in a storm, but the damage is pretty minimal and you can pass that part without any trouble. If you want to go hike, I'm not stopping you. Thanks Billie! How To Get There: Stairway Entrance / Directions, Deaths On The Stairway To Heaven In Hawaii. If people cared more about the "nature" that they so desperately enjoy in this valley, then I wouldn't even be on here. The Air Force has identified the airman who died Tuesday,Dec. Moanalua Valley Trail to the Haiku Stairs (Stairway To Heaven) [CLOSED / PRIVATE PROPERTY] Hard 4.7 (2199) Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve Photos (5,275) Directions Print/PDF map Length 10.5 miElevation gain 5,029 ftRoute type Out & back Bummer, this trail is closed. Instagram @dblock55. I was extremely surprised at the amount of people who I crossed when I hiked it. At the beginning, a large monkeypod tree leads to the Douglas Damon house site. The stairs start in the Haiku Valley, under the H3 highway (John A. Burns Freeway) and they wind up the side of a mountain near Kaneohe, called Puukeahiakahoe. We dont know for sure what happened, but its more likely his death happened on the steep and muddy Moanalua trail, not the stairway. Watch out for roots as this is the largest risk as you climb. Its Definitely challenging get rest water food. I'm providing information that is factual instead of perpetuating a myth. On my hike up the Moanalua Valley Trail, I went halfway down the stairs and back up just to explore and then returned via the Moanalua Valley Trail although I met some people who were going to try and exit via the stairs. Officials said he collapsed while hiking the Moanalua Valley trail, and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Tripler Army Medical Center Tuesday. Theres something really special about this hike, and I still consider it one of the highlights of my life. Most accidents happen when hikers leave the established trail and disregard warning signs. This is a small playground area for children and at the back of the grass area, the paved trail begins. However, dont be confused by people who tell you this is the legal way to visit the Haiku Stairs. So if you're going to be later than that park outside on the street so as not to get towed. This is my Journey Era. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. If you knew anything about natural resources, you'd understand that this isn't just about respecting something that's sacred but rather protecting a watershed that provides benefits that you clearly take for granted. Shortly after the 17th crossing, you should see a sign for the Kulana'ahane trail (note: Do NOT take this). -Food. This is incorrect. My husband and I are planning on doing this hike. He was Stars and Stripes roving Pacific reporter from 2011-2013 while based in Tokyo. Loving all your content and guidance! Microspikes are good to have to make it up/for traction. Ironically, the general consensus is that the stairs are actually a safer and easier route to the top of the mountain. Still interested? I hope you enjoyed this guide to the Moanalua Valley Trail (backway to Stairway to Heaven) and have good luck and good weather on your journey! These people are mad and will make increasing trouble for hikers as time goes by. Anthony J. Polizzi. If you don't want to do the illegal way, this way is worth it. Nathan Stowell, 25, died on Sunday after falling 400 feet off a hiking trail of Hawaii's Mount Olomana. There are a few rope sections and some very intense drop offs on the sides for lots of the trail, so this is not for the faint of heart. One of the main challenges of climbing the Hawaii Stairway To Heaven trail is just finding where it starts. The police sometimes send an officer to hike up to the summit to give out fines and one time a police helicopter even landed up there. All rights reserved. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. Go past it about 20 paces. (Facebook/Nathan Stowell). Legal Statement. Wonderful read! "Novices have no business being on that hike. The key in the first part of the hike is to be cognizant of the distance you are covering as the ridge trail is somewhat hidden and can be easily missed. The World Travel Guy 2023 The 31-year-old native of New York was assigned to the 15th. Now that you have made it onto the Moanalua Middle Ridge, the trail is quite easy to follow as it basically follows the ridgeline all the way up to the summit. Moanalua Valley Trail 4 0 ftHiking Trails Pearl Harbor National Memorial 13,695 2.7 miHistoric Sites Military Bases & Facilities USS Arizona Memorial 27,032 Historic Sites Cemeteries See all See what other travelers are saying JacksonJones 24 contributions Amazing Ridge Hike to the Top of the Haiku Stairs Ive lived here for 33 years and yes its fricken ridiculous WHEREVER YOU GO. The first mile on this trail climbs 900 feet in elevation and is primarily through trees. The last crossing is allll the way at the end, and immediately after that last crossing, it's dense 12ft tall grass and the trail disappears. The cool, breezy path goes through a lush forest and contains seven bridges with stream fords. Fun hike. The trailhead begins at Moanalua Valley Park. After Kahahana's death, a plot was laid to kill all the chiefs of Maui on the same . Being inside the boundaries of the TMK parcel that the stairs is built on is a finable offense for having broken property and trespass laws. That wouldnt be cheap. The time should be posted on the gate. In any case, just be aware that fines of up to $1,000 have occasionally been given out to people caught climbing the staircase. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Capt. Your selfish Instagram post is at the expense of destroying the island's fragile eco-diversity. You just keep heading straight up and you will eventually reach the satellite dish at the summit. BLOG POST: If you are interested in my experience (many years ago) hiking the Stairway to Heaven the regular way you can check out my blog post here: STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN HIKE ON OAHU, HAWAII: UPDATED 2021, OAHU HIKING GUIDE: Ive written a guide for the top hikes on Oahu that I am sure you will find useful: TOP 10 HIKES ON OAHU, HAWAII. The trail starts as a road barred by a green gate. We make our initial ascent. If you fall at dusk you might very well spend the night in the jungle. Highly recommend, it was one of the best hikes I have ever done. Aloha! However, it is not the most dangerous hike on Oahu. "It was an absolute honor when you asked me to commission you into the Air Force," wrote David Michael Rothzeid in a Facebook post. In 2015, a man from Florida man died after falling about 200 feet from the trail. Not the one all the way to the left. It will take you through a creek bed, where the trail is fairly obvious to find. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! The view is wonderful worth the hike. The Kulana'ahane Trail offers unparalleled hiking through native Hawaiian forest to a scenic overlook. Thank you. Parking: Park at the Moanalua Valley Park. If you want to do a guided hike anywhere on State Lands, please ask the guide to see a copy of their commercial use permit, issued by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Definitely dont pay a guide for this hike like some people seem to. There is also a cliff diving spot at one of the falls. or redistributed. Trudging up the slope, it takes about half an hour to scale the first hump. The views are incredible and worth every minute and mile of this trail. . My issue is with the multiple bags of rubbish and litter in the valley that I've personally removed. This blog post will explain some of the details and history of the Hawaii Stairway To Heaven hike, and then Ill discuss some of the politics behind the stairs and plans for their future. FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii The Air Force has identified the airman who died Tuesday while hiking in Hawaii as Capt. Werner Karl, you're right. To stay safe on this hike, just wear shoes with good grip and remember to keep three points of contact at all times. Drone shot of the mountain. Ensure that your battery is full prior to your hike. No skate shoes.) The left goes to the valley. Not willing to change her identity to be part of the industry, Mahina Florence is at the height of her career because of her flawless Hawaiian complexion, strong athletic build, and friendly aloha spirit. This hike sounds like something I would love to do. If you do choose to continue on past the legal boundary and to the illegal area of the radio tower and reach the Haiku Stairs, this is what you can expect. Instead, retrace the Moanalua Ridge route to get back to your original destination. It gave the mountains and everything a surreal touch that made us feel like we were walking up into the heavens. Loved every minute of it! Affiliate Disclosures Privacy Policy Terms Of Use The group is part of the 15th Wing. To get to the trailhead, park outside the Moanalua Valley Park and the trail begins just after the green gate. Someone needs to find a better means of access that bypasses the neighborhood totally. A coworker identified the victim as Nathan Stowell, 24. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. You can go all the way up and assess the situation and make your decisions from there but even if you dont want to venture onto the illegal area you will have great views so it is still worth the journey either way. Hiking sandals are ok IF you're experienced hiking in muddy slippery conditions in them. Criminal penalties and EMS fees are charged as well due to the illegal nature of the hike. These are extremely helpful and if the trail is the least bit muddy they are a full-fledged necessity. Overnight parking is not allowed in Moanalua Valley Park - the gate is locked and the park is closed at a certain hour. I'll save you some time and note that it goes nowhere :). The first part of the trail is fairly flat and easy consisting of 17 riverbed crossings. Oahu Small Group Circle Island Sightseeing Tour. ; and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Not only are the views out of this world, but the whole experience is just beyond awesome and unique.
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